The half guard is one of the most strategic positions in all of grappling, allowing you to turn a seemingly inferior position into one of control and offense. By trapping one of your opponent’s legs, you slow the fight down, giving yourself time to set up sweeps, reversals, or submissions.

This makes half guard an excellent option for less athletic practitioners, as it relies more on technique, leverage, and timing rather than speed or explosiveness. In street-fighting, half guard is also a solid choice for minimizing damage by keeping your opponent’s weight off you, using frames and underhooks to stay protected while controlling their movement.

Beyond defense, half guard is a powerful offensive tool, providing access to high-percentage reversals, which allow you to take top position. Additionally, it opens the door to effective submissions such as Kimuras, chokes, and leg locks, making it a true dual-threat position.

Developing a strong half guard game neutralizes stronger, faster opponents and allows you to dictate the pace of the fight. Master it, and you’ll always have a plan—even from the bottom!